Articles tagged with: Events

Market and Weather Conditions

Fall Forecast

If we are talking about weather, our outlook is sunny and 70 degrees - a breath of fresh air for fall! If we are talking about real estate, our local outlook continues to warm up - a breath of fresh air for sellers!

“Inventory” has been the hot word for the past several months. The number of homes available for sale has been historically low, both nationwide and locally. This summer, while we saw the frequency of new listings rise, many homes sold within a week of hitting the market, especially lots and homes in-town/in downtown Lewes.

With this rise in homes on the market, we also saw an increase in multiple offers for certain properties. Even though interest rates are edging up, it is still a great time to purchase a home. So, if you have been considering selling your home, it’s a good time to consider your own long-range forecast! The Lee Ann Wilkinson Group is always available to consult with potential sellers (and buyers!) about your home value, comparable local sales, and your own marketing plan. Contact us anytime for more information.

Weekend Outlook - Sunny with a chance of dragons

This weekend’s weather shift is also a perfect time for locals to change our own outlook. Enjoy a different outdoor activity, even if that means just taking a sweatshirt to the beach, taking a long walk on the Rehoboth Boardwalk, or hitting the soccer field in Milton!

A new option this fall is to head to downtown Lewes for The First Annual Lewes Dragon Boat Festival! Tomorrow, Sunday, September 15 beginning at 11 a.m., watch 21 local teams take to the Lewes Canalfront Park and the Lewes-Rehoboth Canal. If you have never seen a Dragon Boat race, check it out – and look for many of your local friends, paddling together to the beat of the same drummer. The Lee Ann Wilkinson Group is a proud sponsor and joins a group of local businesses and restaurants for the fun. Bring the whole family!

Happy Labor Day Weekend!

Labor Day Weekend is here! Congratulations to all of our local businesses and employees for hosting another great summer at the beach. Back-to-school time is a transitional time all around. Here at the beach, it also means the end of many extra summer employees (as college students leave for the semester) and a time to transition from seasonal to year-round teams. Please bear with our local restaurants and retail businesses this weekend!

Of course, the main focus on Labor Day is appreciation and recognition for the hard work each of us does all year. Hopefully many visitors and locals alike are enjoying a well-deserved day off on Monday!

So, while you have extra time to read The Cape Gazette, here’s a quick real estate snapshot of the summer.

(All information taken as of August 30, 2013 from InnoVia/Sussex County Multiple Lisiting Service)

As of today (August 30, 2013):

In Sussex County overall, there are 3,802 active residential real estate listings (not including lots/land/commercial)

In Lewes and Rehoboth: 610 active listings

From Dewey to Fenwick: 1,345 active listings

Between June 1 and August 30 – Summer 2013:

Sussex County REALTORS sold 1,050 residential properties

In the Lewes and Rehoboth area during this time frame, 152 residential properties sold and 87 are under contract (not yet closed/settled)

In the Dewey/Bethany/Fenwick area, 182 residential properties sold and 164 are under contract

Just a note to keep in mind: the “sold” properties are those that actually closed/settled after June 1; however, they could have been considered “under contract” before summer. Likewise, many of the properties that went under contract this summer may not close/settle until September or later in the fall.

Overall, August has been a busy month for everyone at the beach – and Labor Day definitely doesn’t mean the end of beach time. If you are a seasonal visitor to Delaware’s Beaches, don’t forget that “summer” around here is as long as the weather holds, which can be through Christmas and beyond. Look for all of our great fall events – from Sea Witch and Punkin Chunkin to the Jazz and Film Festivals – and plan a fall trip, too!

And if you are a local resident, and even a business owner or local employee, enjoy this weekend and the reward of reaching September: (arguably) the most wonderful time of the year at the beach!

If you are wondering about the value of your beach home or property, of if you are looking to buy here at the beach, call The Lee Ann Wilkinson Group at (302) 645-6664 or email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. We are happy to help!

Look at Clouds from Both Sides Now…from renting and owning your own place at the beach!

Whether you own a house at the beach already or you are renting this summer, the clouds and rain have kind of gotten in the way of plans! It’s been a rainy summer for sure. Those most frustrated by the weather lately are our beach home renters. A few weeks so far have brought practically daily rain, which can dampen family fun and end up breaking the budget with daytime activities.

This weather is out of character for Delaware beaches in the summer (and even off of Farmer’s Almanac predictions!). Still, renting for a week puts a lot of pressure on Mother Nature (and mothers and fathers); you have to make the most of every day you have budgeted to spend at the beach.

If you are here at the Delaware Beaches for the first time this year and the rain is getting you down, take heart! It’s been exceptionally rainy – not the norm. And hopefully you are finding some great rainy day activities:

Grabbing a poncho at the dollar store and hiking through Cape Henlopen State Park – even down to or up from the Gordon’s Pond entrance in Rehoboth’s North Shores

Renting a Quest kayak in Lewes (as long as it’s not torrential or bringing thunder and lightning!)

Spending a few extra dollars on Second Street in Lewes on unique puzzles or board games (for adults and kids)

Exploring fishing excursions from the Lewes-Rehoboth Canal

Discovering the many, many metropolitan-worthy art galleries through Rehoboth Beach and Lewes

Taking kids to library programs for a change of scenery

Strolling through the Rehoboth Beach Farmer’s Market on Tuesday or Historic Lewes Farmer’s Market on Saturday

Ultimately, the best way to take the pressure off of packing everything into your weekly rental experience is to consider the feasibility of making it a year-round opportunity. Renting has many short-term advantages financially; however, if you are a regular renter, your annual investment could make way for a vacation home of your own!

If you would like more information about properties and pricing, The Lee Ann Wilkinson Group would love to help!

Delaware is “The First State” for many reasons. As all Delaware history students know, it was literally ‘first’ to ratify the Constitution. We have a rich history throughout our state – from Sussex up to New Castle County.

Delaware is always first in my book for celebrating Independence Day. History is written every year as Delaware’s beaches continue to top themselves, year over year, with amazing July 4th celebrations.

If you are visiting and thinking of buying a home at Delaware’s Beach communities, this July 4 may seal the deal!

Don’t forget:

All Day:

Kids’ fun and games on Second Street in Lewes

Starting at 5 p.m.

World Famous Doo Dah Parade!

Find your spot along Kings Highway, Second Street or Savannah Road for the most classic American Hometown parade ever assembled. Or, line up by Lloyd’s IGA grocery store to join in the parade yourself!

Tonight:

Rehoboth Beach Main Street sponsors amazing fireworks

Dewey Beach goes for the Guinness Book World Record for fireworks

Lewes Beach offers triple views (clear-sky dependent) of displays from Broadkill to Cape May – and even Rehoboth sometimes…

We know how to throw a birthday party! If you are in Lewes for July 4, you will get swept up in truly the most classic Norman Rockwell portrayal of what it means to be in American for our nation’s Independence Day. If it sounds too good to be true, it is – but so is Delaware!

Thank you to all of our military veterans – from Delaware and throughout the nation – for securing our “life, liberty and pursuit of happiness” year-round.

Join us in Cannery Village!

For more information, contact The Lee Ann Wilkinson Group at (302) 645-6664, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or www.leeanngroup.com. As the top real estate professionals in Sussex County for over a decade, we provide "Superior Service, Outstanding Results!"

"Picnic in the Park" Returns Sunday, June 2!

There is no denying that much of the famous Historic Lewes charm flows from the picturesque Lewes-Rehoboth Canal. Historically, the waterway was a central source of livelihood for early Lewes. Now, the canal still provides unbeatable views of sunrises, sunsets, as well as increasing shopping and dining opportunities. Canalfront property is a hot commodity.

The Lee Ann Wilkinson Group is happy to feature two premier properties currently on Pilottown Road:

Over the past few years, since the creation of The Lewes Canalfront Park, all residents and visitors in Lewes share in some “canalfront property.” Situated right next to the Lewes Little League Field, the park offers recreation and hosts great events throughout the year. I have already made Soul Yoga in the Park on Sunday mornings part of my routine this summer – a peaceful way to enjoy the view.

This weekend, Sunday, June 2 from noon – 3 p.m., the Friends of the Lewes Canalfront Park, with the help of local restaurants and business sponsors, are bringing back the popular Picnic in the Park! Tickets are still available through the park’s website:www.lewescanalfrontpark.org/events. Last year’s event sold out!

Adult entrance tickets are $10. Tickets for kids 12 & under are $5. Food and drink tickets are sold separately at the event; tickets are $2 each depending on the food/drink option.

The Lee Ann Wilkinson Group is proud to be among the great sponsors of the Picnic in the Park – other local businesses that love the opportunity to enjoy the best waterfront property in town! Join us on Sunday.

The Yard Sale Sign!

Everyone has a unique way of marking the start of summer at the beach. Ice cream shops are opening, favorite restaurants start serving 7-days-a-week, pools open, Memorial Day comes with barbeques and picnics. For the past 27 years, the REAL sign that summer is on is the Annual Memorial Weekend Jefferson Avenue Yard Sale! It’s true!

Of course, Jefferson Avenue is in good company. Yard sales have already started; you’ll see signs this weekend throughout Lewes, Milton and Rehoboth. Typically they start at 8 a.m. and you may see early birds cruising past to try to catch a sneak peek.

Next weekend, Saturday, May 25, you will need to get up early to catch the undoubtedly great finds on Jefferson Avenue.

In addition, you can drive down Gills Neck Road, through Wolfe Pointe and Wolfe Runne, down DeVries Circle, and throughout Lewes (forgive me if I’ve missed anyone) to find your own treasures.

Even if “Antiques Roadshow” isn’t in your future, there’s always one gem among the yard sales that makes getting up early on a Saturday worthwhile.

Nothing says, "Happy Mother's Day" like a Lewes Beach house...or a ride on the Paratrooper!

Finally! After a fickle spring, it's going to be a warmer Mother's Day Weekend! Especially when the weather's this nice, there is so much to do at the beach.

It’s the “first” weekend for several local traditions, including the Historic Lewes Farmer’s Market and the opening of Funland on the Rehoboth Boardwalk. Stroll the Rehoboth Beach Second Saturday Art Walk – even stop into Heidi Lowe Gallery on the Avenue and make a Mother’s Day charm. Sunday, the Lewes Canalfront Park opens its wonderful program season with free Soul Yoga at 8 a.m. Of course, this is just a small sample of what’s in store this weekend.

I hope you enjoy your own spring Mother's Day traditions, whether with your mother or in memory of your mother. I am looking forward to my annual brunch!

If you have time to enjoy a Saturday drive, stop by one of the premier properties on Lewes Beach.

Year-round home sits on premium, sub-dividable double lot! This home was originally a Coast Guard Boathouse which was relocated to Maine Avenue circa 1957. Lot has 100’ frontage on Maine Avenue 144’ on Cedar Avenue. Potential for unlimited views of Delaware Bay, Inlet and Canal!

For more information about this great home, or any other property at the Delaware Beaches, please contact The Lee Ann Wilkinson Group by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., by phone at (302) 645-6664, or visit our website at www.leeanngroup.com.

All of our local markets are blooming this year!

It is the season of "market" speculation. Excitement is building for local businesses, home sellers, even local growers. To get ready for summer, I am still looking at several main factors: low housing inventory and local new construction trends. (I won't try to predict the weather!)

Taking Inventory

Industry speculation is consistent with what's happening locally and “inventory” is the buzzword. Nationally and locally, inventory levels are historically low. "Inventory level” means the time it would take to sell all of the homes currently available for sale. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) considers six months to be the norm. As of January 2013, however, NAR data put inventory levels closer to 4.2 months – which is the lowest rate nationally since April 2005.

Our local market definitely supports this low inventory scenario. To put this information context, in my office at The Lee Ann Wilkinson Group of Prudential, Gallo Realtors, actual property sales increased 43 percent and the total dollar value of these sales increased nearly 33 percent last year. Buyers are still cautious and believe it is a “buyer’s market.”

The market is actually evening out – which means buyers will need to be more open to negotiation. We have even seen a noticeable increase in multiple offers on properties (especially in-town Lewes). We even had a home listed, shown and sold - in the same day!

Here are a few key points to remember:

We are not going from a low market to a high market in one step. We went down in steps, so we will have to go up in steps.

Appraisers are required to use no more than the past 6 months sold comparable properties to determine a value today.

If you want to sell your house now, you need to sell it for what it is worth now.

If You Build It

Another major component of this season’s beach real estate trends is new construction. My office has seen an increase in the past month in inquiries from developers and builders that want to start projects. In its March 1, 2013, press release, the U.S. Census Bureau put January 2013 seasonally adjusted construction rates at $883.3 billion, or 7.1 percent above the January 2012 estimate of $824.7 billion.

While new construction may be on the rise in general, I feel strongly that the biggest segment to dry up here at the beach will be individual single-family home lots with no builder tie-in (ones for which you could hire any builder to build your custom home). As fewer lots are available, prices will rise. If you are a buyer who wants to build a custom home, my best advice is to buy a lot soon.

In addition to the low inventory climate, our area business owners are anticipating a busy summer. Hopefully the national economic forecast and seasonal weather forecasts will align for a great summer season!

"Market Growth"

Of course, another market consideration is next weekend's opening day for the Historic Lewes Farmer's Market (Saturday, May 11)! Join just about everyone in town at The Lewes Historical Society between 8 a.m. and noon next Saturday. As far as projections for that market - it's an easy one to call: it will be exciting for buyers and sellers, and a great kick-off for summer!

Lee Ann Wilkinson is the top-selling REALTOR in Sussex County for 2012. Find more information about The Lee Ann Wilkinson Group of Prudential, Gallo REALTORS at www.leeanngroup.com or by calling (302) 645-6664.

Regardless of the answer, even in today's "virtual world," open houses are still a common step in the home buying process. Many buyers look to open houses for information, especially older (or shall we say "more mature") couples that have bought a home before (according to the National Association of Realtors 2012 Survey).

For more information about these great homes, or any other property at the Delaware Beaches, please contact The Lee Ann Wilkinson Group by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call us at (302) 645-6664.

Based on information from Sussex County Association of REALTORS®, Inc., which neither guarantees nor is in any way responsible for its accuracy. All data is provided 'AS IS' and with all faults. Data maintained by Sussex County Association of REALTORS®, Inc. may not reflect all real estate activity in the market.Lee Ann Wilkinson, REALTOR® is a real estate licensee in the State of Delaware. SCAOR # SCAOR07018.Copyright 2017 Sussex County Association of REALTORS®, Inc.